Cost-effectiveness of plug-in hybrid electric vehicle battery capacity and charging infrastructure investment for reducing US gasoline consumption

Federal electric vehicle (EV) policies in the United States currently include vehicle purchase subsidies  linked to EV battery capacity and subsidies for installing charging stations. We assess the cost-  effectiveness of increased battery capacity vs. nondomestic charging infrastructure installation for  plug-in hybrid electric vehicles as alternate methods to reduce gasoline consumption for cars, trucks,  and SUVs in the US. We find across a wide range of scenarios that the least-cost solution is for more  drivers to switch to low-capacity plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (short electric range with gasoline  backup for long trips) or gasoline-powered hybrid electric vehicles. If more gasoline …

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S. 3414: To enhance the security and resiliency of the cyber and communications infrastructure of the United States.

A bill to enhance the security and resiliency of the cyber and communications infrastructure of the United States.…

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U.S. and Canadian Natural Gas Vehicle Market Analysis: Compressed Natural Gas Infrastructure

Driven by the alternative fuel vehicle mandates of the Energy Policy Act of 1992, compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling infrastructure development in the U.S. accelerated in the early 1990s. The total number of U.S. stations peaked in 1997, experienced a decade of decline, and has grown slightly since 2006 to its current total of 1,000. Canada currently reports 74 stations. The majority of CNG stations in the U.S. are private access, while the majority of CNG stations in Canada are public access.

In 1995, the Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) Industry Strategy called for a focus on high fuel use fleets, …

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U.S. and Canadian Natural Gas Vehicle Market Analysis: Liquefied Natural Gas Infrastructure

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a vehicle fuel has the potential to be successful in select vehicle market segments based upon favorable economics. Success for LNG is an integrated network of public access stations and LNG infrastructure across the country that can support significant penetration of LNG natural gas vehicles (NGVs) for long distance, cross-country travel. LNG is unlike most other transportation fuels, and an effective LNG infrastructure business model requires an integrated effort by LNG providers, station owners and operators, and prospective LNG vehicle owners.

Successful LNG infrastructure implementation seeks to minimize one or more of the three main …

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Failure to Act: The Economic Impact of current Investment Trends In Electricity Infrastructure

This report illustrates the importance of electric power generation, transmission and distribution systems to the national economy. The analysis performed focuses on a trend scenario that presumes the mix of electricity generation technologies (e.g. electricity generation from oil, natural gas, coal, nuclear, hydro, wind, solar) continues to evolve as reflected in recent trends, including a long-term evolution towards smart grid technologies… View Full Resource

Jobs and Economic Benefits of Midstream Infrastructure Development: US Economic Impacts Through 2035

The purpose of this study is to estimate the economic impact of the $200 billion (2011 dollars) in midstream investments that will be required to accommodate the development of natural gas, oil and natural gas liquid (NGL)1 resources from 2012 through 2035. Near-term estimates through 2013 and through 2016 also are developed. The estimated economic impact of these investments is measured in terms of employment creation, income generation, output, taxes generated and value added to the US economy and study regions.…

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Strategies to Finance Large-Scale Deployment of Renewable Energy Projects: An Economic Development and Infrastructure Approach

There appears to be universal global consensus among many policymakers that trillions of dollars of new investment must be raised to finance the massive deployment of clean energy technologies to address climate change risks. While undoubtedly some results can be gained from energy conservation and efficiency, there remains an unavoidable need for new energy generation. The absolute amounts of funding for financing large‐scale deployments of renewable energy projects remain significantly larger than the levels invested to date.

Despite the dire need for high levels of finance for future large‐scale deployments of renewable energy, neither the funds nor any convincing mechanisms …

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White Paper on State Pipeline Infrastructure Replacement Programs

Public safety requires prompt action to repair, remediate, and replace high-risk gas pipeline infrastructure, including cast iron mains, certain vintages of plastic pipe and mechanical coupling installations, bare steel pipe without adequate corrosion control, and copper piping. Several recent gas pipeline accidents show the terrible consequences that can occur if such action is not taken.

Pipeline infrastructure replacement programs for gas distribution systems exist in nearly 30 States. Some State Public utility commissions have used their traditional ratemaking authority to approve these programs, the terms and conditions of which are established under a generally applicable statutory provision. Other State public …

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North American Natural Gas Midstream Infrastructure Through 2035: A Secure Energy Future

Sufficient midstream natural gas infrastructure, such as gathering systems, processing plants, transmission pipelines, storage fields, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals, is crucial for efficient delivery and well‐functioning markets. Insufficient infrastructure, on the other hand, can contribute to price volatility, a shrinking market, and even stranded gas supplies and reduced economic activity. Since the last INGAA Foundation natural gas infrastructure study completed in 2009, rapid development of unconventional natural gas supplies, particularly shale gas supplies, has expanded and is offsetting declining production of conventional and offshore natural gas. While gas demand in the residential, commercial and industrial sectors largely has …

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Domestic Oil and Natural Gas: Alaskan Resources, Access and Infrastructure

PHMSA is responsible for establishing and enforcing safety standards for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the nation’s pipeline transportation system. PHMSA’s authority to regulate pipelines includes oversight of the Trans Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS), North Slope pipelines, certain pipelines in the Cook Inlet area, Liquefied Natural Gas (or LNG) facilities, and the distribution systems that deliver natural gas to homes, businesses, and power plants. Alaska oil and gas resources are critical to the nation’s energy needs, and PHMSA recognizes its role in ensuring that this energy is transported safely and efficiently. For this reason, PHMSA has invested significant… View Full Resource